TCV Edinburgh (EBAT): Invasive Species Control at Braidburn Valley Park

Join The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) for a practical conservation session at Braidburn Valley Park, focusing on invasive species control and habitat restoration.

This work is part of the Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Team (EBAT) programme, contributing to the Edinburgh Nature Network and Urban Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy.

🌿 Nature isn’t just for wildlife—it’s for people too.
Through TCV’s Nature for All approach, we connect people with meaningful conservation work that benefits both local environments and wellbeing.

This session contributes to improving riparian (river corridor) and woodland-edge habitats.

We’re working to:

• Restore native plant communities
• Improve habitat quality along the Braid Burn
• Strengthen ecological resilience across connected greenspaces

We aim to deliver sessions Tuesday–Thursday each week, though this may vary depending on conditions.

• Sessions typically begin at 10:00
• Flexible attendance is welcome

🌿 That’s the nature of working outdoors.

📅 Date: Tuesday 9 June
🕙 Start time: 10:00
⏱ Duration: ~4-5 hours
📍 Location: Braidburn Valley Park
📍 What3Words: ///casual.learns.flies

This session will focus on invasive and dominant species control alongside habitat enhancement.

Tasks may include:

• Cutting and removing Cherry Laurel
• Controlling species such as Giant Butterbur
• Creating dead hedging using cut materials
• Exploring the use of scything for targeted vegetation control

We’ll also:

• Identify key plant species (native vs invasive)
• Look at how vegetation structure varies along the burn
• Discuss how these sites are managed as part of a wider network

👉 A varied, hands-on session with visible impact.

Invasive and dominant species can significantly impact biodiversity, particularly along waterways.

This work helps to:

• Reduce dense monocultures that outcompete native plants
• Allow native riparian species to recolonise
• Improve habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife
• Strengthen root structures, helping stabilise riverbanks
• Reduce erosion during high water events

Dead hedging supports this by:

• Protecting regenerating areas
• Providing habitat for invertebrates and small mammals
• Reusing on-site materials sustainably

👉 Healthy river corridors are essential for biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience.

We’ll also explore how this work links to:

• 🌿 Plant identification and habitat assessment
• 🐝 Pollinator activity along riparian edges
• 🔍 Early detection of invasive species spread

👉 Supporting both management and monitoring across EBAT sites.

Everyone is welcome, including:

🎓 Those looking to gain conservation experience
🔄 Career changers exploring environmental work
🌱 People wanting to improve wellbeing through outdoor activity
👥 Anyone wanting to connect and contribute locally

🌿 No experience needed—just willingness to get stuck in.

Directly:

• Hands-on conservation work
• Tools, training, and guidance provided
• A supportive group environment

Indirectly:

• Learn about invasive species and habitat restoration
• Gain practical conservation skills
• Improve fitness and wellbeing
• Spend meaningful time outdoors

• Sturdy footwear
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water/snacks

All tools and gloves provided.

If this is your first session, please contact me after booking with:

• Emergency contact details
• Any relevant medical information

We aim to make sessions accessible and can provide limited transport support if needed.

👉 Book your place and come get involved

👉 Help restore vital habitats along Edinburgh’s waterways

👉 Be part of the Nature Network in action

👉 Nature for All starts here

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Braidburn Valley Park, 1 Greenbank Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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